The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in operations research, computer science, mathematical modelling, power systems engineering, control systems engineering or applied statistics?
• Engage with research that offers significant potential for emission reduction and benefit to Australia 
• Join CSIRO – Australia’s leading scientific research organisation! 

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system. 

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join the Power Systems and Controls team in the Energy Business Unit. In this role, you will develop new power network data sets, scenarios and optimization methods to enable the trans- and intercontinental uptake of renewable energy through an Australian supergrid. The Fellow will create new science, software and technology to optimally design and operate safe, reliable and efficient lower-emission electricity grids in the future.

There has been a preliminary analysis of the options, however, it is not well-understood how a supergrid for Australia, connecting the NEM (East coast) and SWISS (West coast), should be designed – considering AC and DC power transmission technologies - to enable resilient and inexpensive access to electric power. 

Your duties will include:

• Developing scenarios for high-probability very-large-scale (>>1GW) solar and wind farms across Australia coast-to-coast to inform on likely locations.
• Developing optimization-based methodologies and tools in Julia/JuMP for resilient network expansion planning to find expansion options within Australia and beyond, e.g. for least-regret, maximum renewable uptake, minimum energy cost or minimum network reinforcement scenarios across AC and DC network technologies.
• Comparing and weighing different expansion options in terms of technical and economic benefits from the perspective of various power system stakeholders.
• Exploring compatibility with Global Grid concepts. 

Location: Newcastle, NSW 
Salary: AU$88k - AU$96k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure: Specified term of 3 years
Reference: 75632

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as operations research, computer science, mathematical modelling, power systems engineering, control systems engineering, applied statistics, or equivalent. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (or part time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and research experience on theoretical and practical aspects of power network modelling and mathematical optimisation.
• Experience with Julia/JuMP, Python/Pyomo, AMPL, GAMS, PowerModels(ACDC) or alike, in the context of the implementation of optimal power flow, expansion planning and/or unit commitment models or alike.
• High level written and oral communication skills with the ability to represent the research team effectively internally and externally, including the presentation of research outcomes at national and international conferences.
• A sound history of publication in peer reviewed journals and/or authorship of scientific papers, reports, grant applications or patents.
• A record of science innovation and creativity, including the ability & willingness to incorporate novel ideas and approaches into scientific investigations. 

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

To be eligible to work in CSIRO you must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

The successful applicant will be required to obtain and provide a National Police Check or equivalent. Additional integrity checks may be required for specific roles which require security clearance for working with children, Australian Government cybersecurity requirements or other identified security roles.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

29 August 2021, 11:00pm AEST